education
A place to hash out all opinions on education policy, charter schools, statewide testing, and what the political world is and isn't doing about it.
Hate On A Saturday Morning
“That is not appropriate for any of our children. Now my religious rites tells me what I can and cannot do. I don't teach my children to be racist. I don't teach my children to be hateful. I teach them to be loving and caring and sharing. Now, where is this coming from that? I'm going to all of a sudden teach my children to hate gay people or Lesbian people. No. Leave your gender, leave your sexuality to yourself, to your bedroom. Don't bring it to our children. The more you attack our children, the more we gonna come after you guys and protest and say [inaudible]. Mother Fuckers.” – Public comment of Manuk Grigoryan
By Carl J. Petersen2 years ago in The Swamp
Marcus Garvey and the Irish Connection
The remarkable success of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities (Imperial) League (UNIA-ACL), led by Marcus Mosiah Garvey (1887-1940), the first National Hero of Jamaica, drew inspiration from various sources. While Booker T. Washington's vision of self-help through education and economics was a primary influence, Garvey's organizational strategies for the liberation of people of African descent closely mirrored the slogans and methods employed by Irish nationalists such as Padraig Pearse, Robert Emmet, Roger Casement, and Eamon de Valera.
By Geoffrey Philp 2 years ago in The Swamp
A Surprising Maternity
In our world, the marvel of parthenogenesis, the ability to reproduce without a male partner, is not confined to a few obscure species but is rather a fascinating phenomenon observed across various taxa. From humble moss and water fleas to industrious bees and even some reptiles and sharks, nature showcases its remarkable capacity for independent reproduction.
By Keith T. Torralba2 years ago in The Swamp
A School Fights To Keep Its Community In Tact
“We emphasized the role of the school not just as an educational institution but as a cornerstone of our social fabric, where friendships flourish and collective support thrives.” – LAUSD BD3 Candidate Andreas Farmakalidis
By Carl J. Petersen2 years ago in The Swamp
Are there medical benefits to microdosing dried fly agarics?
Microdosing, the practice of consuming sub-perceptual doses of psychedelic substances, has garnered significant attention in recent years, particularly within the realms of personal development and mental health. Among the myriad substances explored for this purpose, fly agaric (Amanita muscaria), a mushroom renowned for its distinctive red cap with white spots, has emerged as a subject of intrigue. This article delves into the potential medical benefits of microdosing dried fly agarics, leveraging the scientific and anecdotal evidence available to date.
By Susan Scava2 years ago in The Swamp
Does SEIU 99 Think That Voters Are Stupid?
“OUR STUDENTS DESERVE A LEADER ON THE SCHOOL BOARD, NOT A SELF-SERVING POLITICIAN.” – SEIU 99 Mailing Last March, I called out the LAUSD Board for not doing enough to reign in Superintendent Carvalho, leading to a three-day strike led by SEIU-99. I warned the pro-public education majority that they had been elected with a mandate for substantial and immediate change and that the failed contract talks with the union representing some of the District’s lowest-paid workers betrayed that trust.
By Carl J. Petersen2 years ago in The Swamp
Why I Believe the Extreme Left & Extreme Right are Similar
This will be more of a rant and I may end up jumping around a lot so forgive me but in my opinion there really is not much difference between the extreme left and the extreme right in the way they vilify anyone that disagrees with them and their authoritarian nature. Sure they have separate agendas but they go about forcing their agendas in the same way as well as accuse the other side of doing what they do. Both sides think they are right and the other side is evil and as you read this and you think I am pointing to a particular ideology than I am actually talking about you. I may talk a bit about Republicans and Democrats though. Remember, Republicans have no heart and Democrats have no brain.
By Ferrari King2 years ago in The Swamp
Will School Board Protect Public School Students?
“In allocating space to a charter school, pursuant to applicable law, the District must consider the impacts on other public school students, both those attending District schools and those attending other charter schools requesting space.” – Proposed Proposition 39 Charter Schools Co-Location Policy
By Carl J. Petersen2 years ago in The Swamp
Unveiling the Underworld
Sewage fungus, an unpleasant topic yet a crucial aspect of wastewater treatment, unveils a complex world that many wish to remain ignorant of. This organism, typically a type of filamentous fungi, thrives in the nutrient-rich environment of sewage systems, presenting challenges in maintaining effective wastewater treatment processes. Understanding sewage fungus involves delving into its characteristics, impact on the environment, and the measures taken to control its growth.
By Ekemini Essien 2 years ago in The Swamp
Permission to Know Our History:
In a recent exposé by The Guardian, "Florida school requires parental consent for pupils to listen to Black author’s book," the author outlines the confusion caused by Governor Ron DeSantis's enactment of the "Stop Woke Act" in 2022. ("Florida School Requires"). This legislation dictates the parameters around discussing race and related issues in educational settings, which some critics contend is an attempt to erase the historical memory of African Americans. As a result of the law, many schools in Dade County have resorted to mandating parental consent for student engagement in Black History Month activities.
By Geoffrey Philp 2 years ago in The Swamp










